If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Ben Roethlisberger: Overrated or Underrated?

Since being selected 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2004 NFL Draft, Ben Roethlisberger has often found himself often being the center of praise and criticism in the National Football League. Some believe that he is one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, while others believe he is a product of media hype. In 2009, Roethlisberger will be entering his sixth season as an NFL quarterback, with still the same question that remains from his rookie year being asked, is Ben Roethlisberger overrated or underrated?

Ben Roethlisberger found immediate success during his rookie season, taking the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 15-1 record, and an AFC Championship appearance. Despite the achievements, doubters still found the time to criticize Roethlisberger’s game. In his first couple seasons, Roethlisberger played in a run-heavy offense and was often limited in his number of throws. Throughout the 2004 season, Roethlisberger averaged just over 18 pass attempts a game. Once the 2004 NFL playoffs started, Roethlisberger’s game suffered. In two playoff games Roethlisberger threw five interceptions, and finished the playoffs with a 61.3 quarterback rating. Ben’s limited passing attempts and poor play in the playoffs are why some credit Jerome Bettis and a stout defense for the success of the 2004 Steelers, rather than Roethlisberger.

The following season, The Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks met in Super Bowl XL. It was only Roethlisberger’s second season, and a 21-10 victory by the Steelers made Ben the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. However, this great accomplishment would be overshadowed by his play on the field. Although it was a Super Bowl win, Roethlisberger’s numbers were not anything to write home about. He completed only 9 of 21 pass attempts for just 123 yards, while throwing two interceptions. Roethlisberger’s Super Bowl XL quarterback rating was 22.6, the lowest rating in Super Bowl history. His poor performance on the NFL’s biggest stage would leave a sour taste in his mouth for the next three seasons.

Many people feel the biggest problem with Ben Roethlisberger is that he holds on to the football too long and takes too many sacks. Last season, Roethlisberger was sacked a total of 46 times, which is the second most in the league. In 2007, Roethlisberger was sacked 47 times, which ranked first in the league. At times, Roethlisberger also struggles keeping a grasp of the football. In the last two seasons Roethlisberger has fumbled a total of 23 times, the most by any quarterback in the league.

That is one side of the argument, now it is time to make the case that Ben Roethlisberger is underrated. Roethlisberger finished his rookie season with a perfect 13-0 regular season record, and was thus rewarded with winning the Rookie of the Year award. In his second season Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl. He was also voted to the NFL Pro Bowl following the 2007 season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the Super Bowl in 2008 and faced the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. Ben Roethlisberger was out to rectify his performance from Super Bowl XL, and that is exactly what he did. Roethlisberger threw for over 250 yards, and the game-winning touchdown pass. With 2:37 left on the clock, and the Steelers trailing 23-20, Ben Roethlisberger would conduct one of the most memorable drives in Super Bowl history. Roethlisberger began completing passes and moving the chains quickly and efficiently, while avoiding two sacks during the drive to keep hope alive for the Steelers. Then on third down and with just seconds remaining, Roethlisberger rolled out of the pocket and found Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone, who made a spectacular catch to win Super Bowl XLIII for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It is true that Ben Roethlisberger may not have gaudy numbers like Tony Romo, but then again Romo has not won a playoff game, Ben has won eight. Sometimes it seems as if the statistics that a player has is the only thing that matters anymore in sports. Ben Roethlisberger may not throw for 300 yards a game, but he will more often than not, put his team in a position to win the football game. In his first five seasons, Ben has won two Super Bowl rings. Throughout his career Roethlisberger has a record of 64-26, which is the best winning percentage by any active quarterback in the NFL. Even with these facts present, some fans and critics still refuse to consider Ben Roethlisberger an elite quarterback, as they are too busy praising Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Well, is Ben Roethlisberger overrated or underrated? That is a question the fans will have to answer, everyone has their opinion. Whether you like him or not, you should respect him, because he has a title next to his name that can never be questioned or debated, and that is the title of champion.

Anyone who thinks Ben is over-rated is just pissed off they dont have him. When the game is on the line there isn't a better QB in the league. Who cares about his numbers in SB XL? Ben was the reason this team even made it to that game. Last time I checked it was Ben burning the Bengals, Colts, then Broncos to get there, not to mention that beautiful tackle to save a game because of poor officiating against the Colts. Wins is what matters most....you can have your 300 yard passers, and you can enjoy watching playoff games from home with them......lol

Ben is probably underated. The lack of offensive coordination , forced him to hang on to the ball.More times than not he made the crowd cheer. He is a proven competitor and there can be no argument about that.
He has 2 bowl rings,and i love it. The way he plays , and understands the game , he will probably get at least 3 more. When was the last time he lost in Ohio? Ben seems like he does not care about the critics ,and thats a plus. When was the last time a critic won a superbowl?

Well people, This is just my opinion but. I've watched the Steelers play for over thirty years. They have been one of the most consistent team in football. One thing they've never been about is flash. The only numbers they have ever cared about are the ones on the score board. How many times have you herd a commentator say the Steelers always find a way to win? The Steelers rather have three good players than one super star. Is Hines a great receiver? No, but he's is one of the best football players to ever play the game. And so far it's worked for them. Check the stats. In the last twenty years no team has won more games then the Steelers. Going back to at least 2000 I told my brother time and time again of we ever get a good QB were going to be a hard team to deal with. In 2004 we got one and look at us now. 2004 15 and 1 season 2005 a SB win. I'm over looking 2006. Ben got hit in the face with a Lincoln Continental had he's appendix removed and suffered a concussion. 2007 Don't know what happened. All I can say is we got beat by a bad *** running game. (Jacksonville) 2008 another SB. If we can keep that O-line playing good I guarantee another SB win in 2009. And when that happens Ben is going to be 3 for 3 with the overrated cheating *** Tom Brady for this decade. Then they'll have to give him he's due.

Anyone who thinks Ben is over-rated is just pissed off they dont have him. When the game is on the line there isn't a better QB in the league. Who cares about his numbers in SB XL? Ben was the reason this team even made it to that game. Last time I checked it was Ben burning the Bengals, Colts, then Broncos to get there, not to mention that beautiful tackle to save a game because of poor officiating against the Colts. Wins is what matters most....you can have your 300 yard passers, and you can enjoy watching playoff games from home with them......lol

Well said Dean. That was lovely. . To the yellow douchebag who started this. Big Ben, the greatest qb on the planet is a quarterback who is suppose to hold on to the ball for how ever long he needs to create plays, even if he has to take a sack. Give Ben all the credit in the world. And all the credit he is not getting. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STEEEEEEEELERS!!!!!! CAN YOU DIG IT? CAN YOU DIG IT? CAAAAN YOOOOUUUUU DIG IIIITTT?

Ben is a very good quarterback that does NOT get the credit he deserves!!!Most wins in his 1st 5 years 2 time Superbowl Champion
Yes, His numbers at times are NOT SEXY, HE WINS...PERIOD!!!!
I'll take ugly wins vs. sexy losses
It is still early in his career, but he could put up numbers that should put him in the Hall Of Fame
He should get about 250-300 td
about 30,000 to 40,000 yds passing
close to 150 career wins, maybe get Favre's record for most career wins
and hopefully another 1-3 SB wins and a SB MVP along the way
Plus who knows how many come from behind wins he seems to be good for
2-6 a year
who knows how many come from behind wins he'll lead the Stillersto...
BUT:
This is all depends on how He can stay upright ! The OL must play better and maybe he needs to not hold on to the ball as long, to extend his career

Well said Dean. That was lovely. . To the yellow douchebag who started this. Big Ben, the greatest qb on the planet is a quarterback who is suppose to hold on to the ball for how ever long he needs to create plays, even if he has to take a sack. Give Ben all the credit in the world. And all the credit he is not getting. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STEEEEEEEELERS!!!!!! CAN YOU DIG IT? CAN YOU DIG IT? CAAAAN YOOOOUUUUU DIG IIIITTT?

Hey man I just wrote this article because I thought it would be a topic of good debate, since there are a lot of people out there who still don't give Ben credit. I would appreciate not being called a douche bag.

MC you are not a douche bag. This was a good article and it brings up some good points about Ben. Just because Ben has negatives about his play takes nothing away from the fact that he has been playing NFL ball at an elite level since his rookie year! Every single time Ben gets blasted I worry he his seriously hurt. The worst two hits were the concussion in Atlanta and that Bart Scott hit in Baltimore. Those were some of the hardest sacks I have ever seen a QB take. I do worry about serious injury because he does hold the ball too long trying to extend plays but I believe that Ben would play that way if he had the best O line in football protecting him.

There are many outstanding and excellent QB's in the NFL that will never have Ben's success. Jay Cutler, Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan are excellent young players on decent teams but can you see Rivers, Romo, or Ryan holding up the Lombardi Trophy anytime in the next five years? I may be wrong but I just can't see it with these guys. I take nothing from their skills and I am trying to be objective here but I just don't see it. In fairness I do not see older and highly respected guys like McNabb, Collins, Garcia, or Warner realistically getting cracks at it either. So it leaves us with the true elite QB's that have won recently , both Mannings (Peyton is outstanding hate him or not and Eli is excellent at times), Brady (he may never be the same after the knee) and Ben.

You can take any Steeler hater (I know many) and give them the option of having their QB or Big Ben and they would take Ben. He is a winner through and through. He is a baller who knows how to win and does anything it takes to win all season long. What more can you ask for from a guy. Guys like Ben only come around so often and we got him. We were pretty lucky to get him.